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BQM-34A-53 “Firebee”

BY RYAN

The Firebee is a remotely-controlled target manufactured by Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical, San Diego, California. A single turbojet engine propels the Firebee at high subsonic speeds. The target is designed to be launched from a suitably equipped aircraft or short rail-type launcher. For ground launch, the launcher is elevated 15 degrees and the target becomes airborne using rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) thrust to reach an altitude and airspeed that will permit remote control. The target is capable of operating at altitudes ranging from 50 feet above the ground to 60,000 feet above sea level at speeds over 600 mph. During the flight, the target is controlled through all normal flight maneuvers and is recovered by use of a parachute recovery system. The Firebee’s basic mission is to test, train, and evaluate surface-to-air and air-to-air missile systems.

The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center is responsible for all USAF BQM-34 support.

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